Effectiveness of Afro-American Studies on the Racial Attitudes of Young White Children.

White, Doris Ann

A program of Afro-American studies was implemented for a duration of four months to assess the effect of such studies upon the racial attitudes of white American children. The study consisted of 85 children whose ages ranged from six to eight years. Not equated on the basis of sex, intelligence, or achievement, all of the pupils experienced the same treatment. The program contained units in social studies, language arts, and aesthetic arts which focused on historical and biographical fact, contemporary-social issues, life style, and the contributions of black Americans. It provided avenues to help children communicate their own feelings about working with children from different cultural backgrounds and acquainted the children with the everyday life patterns of the black society. Furthermore, the program engaged the pupils in language activities, creative dramatics, the use of puppets, recordings, and audiovisual materials. Pre- and post-interviews were conducted with each child, and workshops and conferences were conducted with the teachers. Findings indicate that a program of Afro-American studies can be implemented with primary grade children and that such a program may make a difference in the racial attitudes of white children. (Author/HS)